Radik Rudnev School #1 of Putyvl, Ukraine 

St. Nicholas Day

Every year, on December 19, Ukrainians celebrate St. Nicholas Day Despite many years of attempts to "supplant" him with the fabulous Santa Claus and Santa, no one knows what he really was and how he earned the special trust of Ukrainians. St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 19, or rather, it occurs during the night of December 18-19, when, according to an old and sweet legend, a bearded old man in red travels the world with his faithful donkey helper and puts small gifts and sweets for children under pillows.

Bread and Salt Tradition

Bread and salt on an embroided towel is an ancient Slavic symbol that means the hospitality of the Ukrainian people.  The most dear guests were always greeted with bread and salt.

 A person who is served bread and salt breaks off a piece of bread, dips it in salt, and then eats it.

  "Bread and salt to your home!"  the guests say to the hosts. Nowdays this tradition still remains but mainly at some official events to give the event more hospitality and national spirit. 

Hopak

The whole Ukrainian soul is in the hopak. This dance is a visiting card of Ukrainian folk art. Spectators from all over the world applauded him many times.

Ivana Kupala Holiday

The holiday of Ivan Kupala is more than two thousand years old.  Traditionally, the holiday is celebrated on the night of July 6-7.  This holiday was celebrated throughout Ukraine according to old folk songs.  It is believed that the Kupala fire purifies.  In ancient times, if a person on the night of Ivan Kupala refused to jump over the fire, they were suspected of witchcraft.  Ivan Kupala's night is considered magical.  Weddings were held on this day.  The girls curled wreaths of herbs, and in the evening they let them into the water, watching how and where they floated.  If the wreath sinks, it means that the betrothed has fallen out of love and will not marry him

Borsch

In Ukraine there is a national dish of borsch. It is cooked with beets, cabbage, potatoes, onions, meat and water. People love to eat with sour cream and lard. It is our national dish.

 

Varenyky

Varenyky are popular Ukrainian dumplings filled with a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, meat, cheese, sauerkraut, eggs, mushrooms, and even fruit. These stuffed dumplings are usually shaped into squares or half-moons, boiled or steamed, then drizzled with oil or melted butter and paired with sour cream.

The sweet, fruit-filled version is typically served with sugar and sour cream. These dumplings are so popular that there is even a monument celebrating varenyky in the city of Cherkasy.